Vietnam - Vietnam to launch first Earth observation satellite

This will be the third satellite
invested in by Vietnam, after Vinasat-1 and Vinasat-2. While the previous two
versions mainly serve telecom business and capacity leasing, the third will be
launched for scientific research.

Bui Trong Tuyen, vice president
of the Space Technology Institute, informed the Earth observation satellite
will be named VNREDSat-1A, and is scheduled for launch in April or early in the
second quarter, depending on its progress and weather conditions,

French satellite manufacturer
Astrium Satellites has been chosen as the general contractor. Besides, the
institute intends to use the satellite launch service of Arianespace, which
successfully sent Vinasat-1 and Vinasat-2 into space.

“The institute is following the
necessary procedures for approval of the Prime Minister on this satellite
launch plan. If approved, the plan will soon be implemented,” said Tuyen.

Astrium Satellites will supply a
120-kilo satellite equipped with information receiving and satellite control
devices. In addition, the firm will provide training for 15 Vietnamese
engineers at its satellite production facility in Toulouse, France.

After going into space, the
satellite will operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit, at the height of 670
kilometers from the Earth. It will pass many latitudes at the same time,
observing the changes over time of a certain point on the Earth based on the
changes of light when it circles the Earth.

Tuyen said the Prime Minister had
assigned his institute to develop a project for a natural resource, environment
and disaster observation satellite funded by official development assistance
(ODA) of France.

Source: SGT

Business & Investment OpportunitiesSaigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd (SBC) is incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Strategy, Investment and Management, focusing Health care and Life Science with expertise in ASEAN 's area.
We are currently changing the platform of www.yourvietnamexpert.com, if any request, please, contact directly Dr Christian SIODMAK, business strategist, owner and CEO of SBC at christian.siodmak@gmail.com. Many thanks.